GOLDFINCH. 



21 



The song of the Yellow-bird resembles that of the Goldfinch 

 of Britain; but is in general so weak as to appear to proceed from 

 a considerable distance, when perhaps the bird is perched on the 

 tree over your head. I have, however, heard some sing in cages 

 with great energy and animation. On their first arrival in Penn- 

 sylvania, in February, and until early in April, they associate in 

 flocks, frequently assembling in great numbers on the same tree 

 to bask and dress themselves in the morning sun, singing in con- 

 cert for half an hour together; the confused mingling of their notes 

 forming a kind of harmony not at all unpleasant. 



About the last of November, and sometimes sooner, they ge- 

 nerally leave Pennsylvania, and proceed to the south; some, how- 

 ever, are seen even in the midst of the severest winters. Their 

 flight is not direct, but in alternate risings and sinkings , twittering 

 as they fly, at each successive impulse of the wings. During the 

 latter part of summer they are almost constant visitants in our gar- 

 dens, in search of seeds, which they dislodge from the husk with 

 great address, while hanging, frequently head downwards, in the 

 manner of the Titmouse. From these circumstances, as well as 

 from their color, they are very generally known, and pass by va- 

 rious names expressive of their food, color, &c. such as Thistle- 

 bird, Lettuce-bird, Sallad-bird, Yellow-bird, &c. &c. The gar- 

 deners who supply the city of Philadelphia with vegetables often 

 take them in trap-cages, and expose them for sale in the market. 

 They are easily familiarized to confinement, and feed with seeming 

 indifference a few hours after being taken. 



The great resemblance which the Yellow-bird bears to the 

 Canary, has made many persons attempt to pair individuals of the 

 two species together. An ingenious French gentleman who resides 

 in Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania, assured me, that he had tried the male 

 Yellow-bird with the female Canary, and the female Yellow-bird 

 with the male Canary, but without effect, tho he kept them for se- 

 veral years together, and supplied them with proper materials for 



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